Lewis Clarke facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lewis Garrard Clarke
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| Born | 1812 or 1815 |
| Died | December 16, 1897 |
Lewis Garrard Clarke was a brave man who escaped slavery. He shared his difficult experiences in a book called Narrative of the Sufferings of Lewis Clarke. His story helped many people understand the horrors of slavery.
Early Life and Escape
Lewis Clarke was born in Madison County, Kentucky, around 1812 or 1815. He grew up on a plantation. His grandfather, Samuel Campbell, owned the plantation and many enslaved people.
Lewis's father, Daniel Clarke, was a Scottish weaver. He fought in the American Revolution. Lewis's father married Letitia Campbell, Lewis's mother. She was Samuel Campbell's daughter. Campbell had promised Letitia her freedom in his will.
Sadly, Lewis's father died when Lewis was young. He was about 10 or 12 years old. After his father's death, Letitia did not receive her freedom. Lewis believed Campbell's heirs destroyed the will.
Lewis and his mother remained enslaved. Lewis was treated very badly by William and Betsy Benson. They were his grandfather's children. When Lewis learned he would be sold far away in New Orleans, he decided to escape. In 1841, he bravely fled to Ohio. From there, he traveled across Lake Erie into Canada. Canada was a place where enslaved people could find freedom.
Sharing His Story
After gaining his freedom, Lewis Clarke wanted to tell his story. He published his book, Narrative of the Sufferings of Lewis Clarke, in 1845. An updated version came out in 1846. This new edition also included the experiences of his brother, Milton.
Lewis traveled a lot, giving talks about his life as an enslaved person. During one of these trips, he met Harriet Beecher Stowe. She was a famous writer. Lewis's story deeply impressed her. She used parts of his life to create the character George Harris. This character appeared in her famous novel, Uncle Tom's Cabin. This book helped many people understand why slavery was wrong.
Later Life and Legacy
When Lewis Clarke was not traveling, he lived in Warren County, Pennsylvania. Later, he moved to Busti, New York. In 1849, he married Catherine Storum. Sadly, she passed away the next year.
After the American Civil War ended, Lewis Clarke returned to the Southern United States. He died on December 16, 1897, in Louisville, Kentucky. His body was honored at the Kentucky State Capitol. This was ordered by Governor William Bradley. Lewis Clarke was buried in Westwood Cemetery in Oberlin, Ohio.
Abolitionist Work
Lewis Clarke was an important voice in the abolitionist movement. This movement worked to end slavery. He often spoke at events with other famous abolitionists.
- 1854 June 17–18: He spoke at the Sugar Grove Convention in Sugar Grove, Pennsylvania. He shared the stage with Rev. Jermain W. Loguen and Frederick Douglass. These were all key figures fighting for freedom.
